Filmmaker Neeru Sharma’s debut short film Bandra Boy has earned international recognition at two film festivals in New York. The 21-minute Hindi thriller has been named a Semifinalist at the Frames of New York Film Festival and an Award Winner at the New York International Women Festival.Bandra Boy explores media narratives, public perception and the blurred line between truth and opinion in the digital age. The film examines how headlines, public scrutiny and social judgment can shape a person’s image long before facts emerge.For Sharma, who spent over two decades covering Bollywood and the entertainment industry as a journalist before turning filmmaker, the recognition is particularly meaningful.“I am extremely happy and grateful that Bandra Boy, my debut film as a director, is receiving international recognition. This story comes from years of observing the entertainment industry, media culture and the way public perception is formed. Such recognition motivates me to continue telling meaningful stories,” said Neeru Sharma.Before directing Bandra Boy, Sharma trained in filmmaking at Whistling Woods International, founded by filmmaker Subhash Ghai. The film stars Ahwaan Kumar in the lead role alongside Dharmendra Gohil. The cast also includes Lochan Barsagade, Yash Pednekar, Sham Thombare, Pawan Tiwari, Aishwarya Manohar, Himanshi Mandalia and Nandini Sharma.Produced by Rajeev Parashar, the film is edited by Sandeep Kurup, while Aayush Shah has handled cinematography. The background score is composed by Kaushal Mahavir.
